
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Who's lying? Not me.

Friday, 7 October 2011
Revenge and Ringer: sexy and sophisticated.

- Emily VanCamp plays Amanda Clarke and her alias Emily Thorne. And what a convincing job she does too. The fact that she lost her father because he was framed and then convicted and then died only enhances her character. As Emily, she is sweet, mysterious and somewhat reminiscent of a sly cat. Her poker face is what drew me in at first - and then the way she would flip so suddenly to her alter persona, Amanda. Cold, hard, and vengeful, with little flickers of sadness and remorse, is the best way I can describe the Amanda underneath the mask. Riveting. I love it.
- Victoria Grayson, played by Madeleine Stowe, is the wicked mother-in-law with a soul. Yes, I know, she's not the actual mother-in-law, but that's how her character is played. She is bitter against the world; mostly because of her cheating, lying husband, but also because she lost the one man she truly loved - David Clarke. You get a sense that she hides behind her money and expensive taste, all the while mourning for a life lost. Yet at the same time, she is fiercely protective of her son, and deeply suspicious of everyone around her. Especially Emily - and rightly so. Good work mummy dearest.
- Jack Porter, beautifully played by Nick Wechsler, is the childhood friend. He seems like the one genuine character in the entire show; thus you feel sad for him when he has to sell his boat to save his dad's floundering business. And then his dad dies, so things are becoming even more tough. But still, there is a definite air about him - an air that draws Amanda back in and helps pull some of the 'Emily' facade away.
- The other character I love is Nolan Ross, acted out by Gabriel Mann. I've never seen Mann in anything before but I like him. He is mischievous and a little suave - I especially like the tailored suits and shaggy blonde hair. He aims to help Amanda with her quest for revenge, all the while trying to pull her back out of her facade too.
- The last character I like is Danny Grayson, played by Joshua Bowman. Besides being a bit of eye candy, he is the lost puppy, searching for his way in the world and trying to leave behind bad mistakes. I like him because he strikes me as honest, and I think in a show like this you need a couple of honest characters to keep from drowning in dishonesty. I do hope his 'death' at the start wasn't real; however I'm sure if he does die it'll be for a really intriguing reason.
- Sammy the dog remembers: I'm not sure what it is about dogs remembering their owners, but I always find the concept ridiculously appealing. It is classic but super sweet.
- Declan [aka Eric from Gossip Girl]: Seeing Connor Paolo in this show made my heart skip a beat. I LOVE Eric in GG, and it was sad when they shipped his character to minimal appearances. He is definitely likable as the stubborn younger brother who 'just wants to fit in with the upper crowd'.
- The boat named 'Amanda': Did anyone else think this was rather charming? I wonder what kind of an impression Amanda made on Jack. Obviously something rather large since he named his prized boat after her.
- Bitch Victoria taking down Slut Lydia: Highlight of my WEEK. That take-down was priceless, and Gossip Girl-worthy. At a charity function? Giving away the painting from their living room as a reminder of her affair and shunning from high society? Impressive, needless to say.
- The flashbacks: I always love a good flashback. These are good because they give you a bit of the background story, without giving away too much. It helps tie the 'revenge act' together at the end, because you understand why she picked this person to take down. My only hope is that they don't OVERDO the flashbacks - I like a little mystery to keep my day interesting.
- The side stories: I like that it isn't just about Amanda's revenge and the plot around her dad - it's also Jack's story, and Victoria's, and a little bit of Danny's. I hope they continue to expand on the other character's histories, rather than just focus on Amanda's - though hers IS fascinating.
- Cupcake scene at the end of ep 2: Amanda sitting there, lighting one candle on a delicious-looking cupcake, blowing out the candle and wishing herself a 'happy birthday'? Love it. Excellent scene, and way to end the episode.
- The take-down of the Senator in ep 3: The red-dress lady? The changed script? Exquisiteness played out. It was an excellent act of revenge. My favourite thus far.
- One final note - the CLOTHES: Gosh. I'd die wearing all those amazing outfits! Dresses especially. I love how when TV shows demonstrate the rich, they really do go upper class.
- Well. That just about says it all I think. Haha no, I am really proud of SMG for going in a very untypical direction for her. She plays twin sisters Bridget Kelly and Siobhan Martin, who at first, seem to be able to forgive each other for whatever monstrosity hides in their past - but takes a quick turn when Siobhan leaves Bridget in the middle of the ocean in her boat, and leads her to believe that she is dead. Bridget, on the run from the police because she witnessed a murder and doesn't want to stand trial against the killer, takes on Siobhan's identity and assumes her life. Truthfully, I think it was the story-line that drew me in more so than anything else. We see actors play twins and identical doppelgangers(Oh, Elena<3) all the time, but never do we see one twin that takes over the other twin's life, all the while the other twin is sipping martini's in Paris on some mission of her own. Fascinating!
- The drama: Oh, the drama! All the affairs and secrets! One nearly dies trying to keep up with it all. But it is ridiculously good.
- I am sad for Andrew: I really like Siobhan's husband, and she was cheating on him with her best friend's husband. Firstly - what a bitch. Who does that? Horrible, selfish woman. And Andrew seems so lovely! But I have a feeling there might be some hidden skeletons in his closet. Just will have to wait and see.
- Gemma - the ultimate best friend: This woman is awesome. She does absolutely everything for Siobhan, and the woman repays her by sleeping with her hubby. Oh, and getting pregnant with his baby. NOT COOL SIOBHAN.
- The twist that threw everything off: When you find out Siobhan is working with someone who is still at 'home' and you can't think who it would be. Why are they upset Bridget is still alive? What's the deal there? Mystery.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Disturbing behaviour indeed.

A few of the vampire favourites.

- The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer: Yes, yes. I know what you must be thinking. Everybody loves Twilight.... or they hate it. I love it because I read it before it was a big deal - and I still remember one of my friends describing it to me and it sounded like the most complicated, beautiful thing I had ever heard of. And so it was - first time I read it, I was in Europe at the end of 2008. I could not put it down. And then I bought the next 3 while I was over there so I could complete the series, they were just THAT GOOD. I think the movies have slightly deterred from the beauty of the books, but hey - who doesn't love Robert Pattinson and Taylor Launter? :P I suppose they make the movies worthwhile :D
- The Vampire Academy books by Richelle Mead: If you have never read them, and you are a die-hard vampire fan, then you SHOULD. Join Rose, Lissa and Dimitri as they battle sickly crazed Uncles, Strigoi (the darker form of vampire), and the Royals (along with their laws). There are 6 books in the series and well worth the read. While Richelle does repeat some details in each of the books as a reminder for those who have forgotten, or some background knowledge for those of us silly enough to read them in the wrong order, and this does become somewhat tiresome - you can easily skim through this. A minor fault on an otherwise intriguing series.
- The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith: Well duh. I love The Vampire Diaries as a TV show, as if I ain't gonna like the books. Ha. 'Nuff said.
- The True Blood series by Charlene Harris: Of COURSE True Blood was going in here :D I don't think you can call yourself a vampire fan if you don't read True Blood. Granted, they are somewhat of a soft-porn novel; there's so much sex and violence it makes your head spin. BUT it does have Eric and Sookie, and a whole heap of other random shit like fairies and angry ancient vampires etc. I might be weird but I find it 'light reading'. Haha. If you're a fan of the TV show but don't read the books then you're silly. The books are always better [welllll..... TVD I might make an exception :P).
- The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J. R. Ward: I have a confession to make. I haven't actually read this series. HOWEVER I was told by a very good friend of mine how fantastic it is, so that's why I'm putting it up here :) It follows the story of 6 vampire brothers and warriors who defend their race against some weird kind of humans. It is on my 'Books to read over the Summer' list :).
- Underworld, Underworld: Evolution and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans: Totally my top 3 vampire movies. I love how they jump back to the past to help fill in the raging battle in the future. And well, there's Kate Beckinsale. How can I say anything bad about her? She makes one sexy vampire.
- Interview with a Vampire: I have two words: Brad Pitt. I mean, I don't like him at the best of times, but in this movie? As a vampire? Yep, I would tap that. Really interesting movie too.
- Fright Night (1985) and Fright Night (2011): I love old school scary movies, and while 1985 isn't THAT old school, it still has the rockin' hair-dos and cheesy acting. But the 2011 version has it's perks too - Colin Farrel. He's delicious as a vampire too; and he makes a fabulous scary next-door-neighbour-type killer. On a whole the movie did remind me of When a Stranger Calls and Disturbia, it was still good to watch.
- Dracula (1931): Haven't seen it? GO. NOW. This is a classic cult film and you can't miss out. If you have - I don't even really want to speak to you. Just - watch it.
- 30 Days of Night: Umm. This movie was scary. Like, really, really scary. And it had a really sad ending, BUT it had Josh Hartnett so it's okay. (If you can't already tell, I LIKE my good-looking male actors. They play a big role in whether I watch a movie in the first place ha).
- The Twilight Saga: New Moon and Eclipse: I actually didn't like the first movie at all. I feel really bad for saying so - but other than Rob, Taylor and Cam Gigandet, there was nothing else appealing to me about it. They left out key scenes and rushed the romance between Edward and Bella so much that you hardly had time to appreciate the longing they had for each other in the book. Anyway! Now that I've justified why I didn't like the first movie, I'll say why I DID like the second and third :) New Moon was great because it was more Jacob! I am a raging Edward fan, but Jacob in New Moon is my favourite. He's such a sweetheart, despite the turning-into-a-werewolf/shape-shifter thing. One always cries like a baby when he 'breaks up' with Bella (it was even sadder in the book) and (though it isn't Jacob-related) when Harry Clearwater dies (omg, how cute was his little spiel about Kung-Fu?). And as for Eclipse, well, in my opinion the saga just keeps getting better. The new 'Victoria' (Bryce Dallas Howard) - loved her as a baddie. And who can resist the electrifying pull of a threesome? Bella: "No Edward, I need to be friends with Jacob". Edward: "Stay away from him Bella". Jacob: "Bella come visit me! I'm suicidal here!". Gosh I love it. And the awesome pack (coven?) of vampires who come after Bella. EPIC. I so look forward to Breaking Dawn.
- The Blade Trilogy: I'm not much of a Wesley Snipes fan, but I DID really like this trilogy. Not my usual type of vampire movie, but good nonetheless.
- The Vampire Diaries: I didn't really need to say this. If you follow my blogs then you already know how much I love this show. Here are the links to my rantings about it if you would like more than just this tiny rabble :)
- For 3.01: http://janeymoo.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-rippah-time-my-lovelies.html
- For 3.02: http://janeymoo.blogspot.com/2011/09/because-im-sucker-for-vampire-diaries.html
- And for 3.03: http://janeymoo.blogspot.com/2011/10/best-tvd-episode-ever.html
- True Blood: Granted, I like the books, ergo I like the show. Though sometimes I feel a little uncomfortable watching it with anyone else. :/ Lol.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sarah Michelle Gellar in her pre-Ringer days. Gotta love it.
- Angel: I just like David Boreanaz, to be honest. I like the idea of Angel (fallen angel cursed with a soul, running around killing bad supernatural-ies all the while having a guilt-complex, much like our beloved Stefan). Yeah, it has it's moments.
- Supernatural: I know I know, it's not an ACTUAL vampire TV show. But c'mon, the episodes 1x20 "Dean Man's Blood"; 2x03 "Bloodlust"; 3x07 "Fresh Blood"; 4x05 "Monster Movie" (remember, the shape-shifter who loved old classic movies? Dracula?); and one of my personal favourites, 6x05 "Live Free or Twi-Hard". There's enough there to warrant a vampire-y category I reckon :D
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
It's a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. Dum dum dum dum.

Perhaps I have been indoors too much - so much so that I am starting to analyse my favourite TV shows down to the very last take...
Sunday, 2 October 2011
The perks of menswear.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
The best TVD episode ever... ?
At this stage? I'm willing to say so!This week's two teaser trailers were only a taste of a ridiculously delectable 40 mins that had me sitting on the edge of my seat.
Like eating a packet of mint chocolate slices - the first bite sends you wild with desire, so, in turn, you have to devour the rest of the packet.
I had to physically stop myself from jumping around the living room, that's how great each moment in this episode was.
Thank you Caroline Dries for delivering a complex, beautifully-interwoven myriad of plots that caused me to laugh, cry, grin from ear-to-ear and exclaim in shock (mostly the latter!). I was truly blown away. Exquisite work - simply exquisite.
Now.
Let's move on to some spoil-erm, I mean, key moments :)
Alright, this has to be said first.
Hellooo debonair Stefan ;) Phew. I felt a bit hot under the collar when he sauntered into Gloria's bar after snacking on that woman in the (vintage [Crossley?]) car - love it (always reminds me of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, those cars).
Stefan, I think you are becoming more delicious in each episode this season too. Keep up the Rippah work (okay, okay, lame I know, I had to do it!)
From what I've seen of Paul Wesley's latest interviews, he's been enjoying playing the 'bad boy'. And so he should! He wears it very well - not to mention that SUIT (more suit-wearing Paul, methinks).
Ok, now, was anyone else highly impressed with the 1920s theme? The flappers, the lounge singer, the outfits?! May I just say, much like Nina Dobrev, I would LOVE to have lived in the 1920s. More era episodes please! Keep 'em coming I say!
I felt so sorry for Caroline in this episode. She always seems to be the victim. I hope she gets to kick some butt soon. But it must be said - Sheriff Forbes? How much her attitude has changed towards her daughter? So, so beautiful. I am so happy for that relationship! And as for her dad - I think he'll come around. All that protectiveness, it'll shape into acceptance soon. I hope.
And one cannot help but be mad about Tyler after this episode. Carrying Caroline? Snuggling her at the end while she cried? They are the picture perfect couple, and Michael Trevino - stop being so freaking gorgeous! I already have too much love for Damon, it can't be shared! It won't!
Ahem.
I have to say, there were so many 'baited breath' moments in this episode. C'mon, Klaus and Stefan in the apartment with Elena? Close call much? I have to say though, how did Klaus not sense Elena was there?! I'm happy he didn't, but Stefan's not the best liar. Hmm. Small thought.
But shocking moments! Stefan feeding that woman's blood to her husband? Stefan teaching Klaus his tricks? Stefan being bff's with Klaus? Klaus compelling Stefan to forget? Klaus compelling Stefan to REMEMBER? It was pretty much the episode of all episodes for Klefan! Like a tweet I made last week, Paul Wesley and Joseph Morgan can stay together for as long as they want. That pairing is my favourite. Also, when Rebekah stabbed Klaus I jumped sky-high, even though I knew it wouldn't kill him. Haha, oh this show.
Alright, moving on.
Oh, Elena. You and your little bubbles of hope. Poor thing, to have those hopes crushed into a million pieces by Ripper Stefan. It's okay though, your knight-in-shining-blood-lust Damon will be there to pick up the pieces. And he's amazing too.
Speaking of Damon...
"You're all road-trippy and grose." - my favourite Damon quote of this episode. Um, is anyone else falling as much in love with Damon as I am? Who IS this vampire? Risking his life just so Elena can see Stefan for a few minutes? I don't know how anyone wouldn't want to be with him! Elena - just friggin pick him. Move on. Capish?
Okay, phew. Breather. Now, my next comments have to do with one vampire only - Rebekah.
WHAT a gem. I LOVE her. Mysterious - check. Sexy - check. Original vampire sister - check. And in love with Stefan? - CHECK. Yes, I am all aboard the Stefan/Bex romance train. S-Bex? Stebekah? Stebex? Ideas anyone? Anyway, can't wait to see more of her. And more of the originals, as I have a feeling that is coming!
Now, OF COURSE I have to mention the vampire-hunters at the end! Katherine being included?! That woman is such a stalker! I am only presuming the man hunting Klaus is his dad - what does everyone else think? But I love how Katherine always pops up unexpectedly - she just can't stay out of the action. Petrova, yes, continue to play your games, we love them.
Can I just say, it was absolutely adorable when Stefan 'remembered' Klaus? And that look on Klaus' face? Gosh, I melted. What a bromance!
So after this episode, all I can think is, when will Klaus discover Elena has the necklace? That she's still ALIVE? Now will we see more originals? Will we have more episodes delving into the original's past? Or even some of the Lockwood and Forbes history? Because I can't help but feel there is A LOT of history there? And after all is said and done, will Stefan be able to come back, in light of Klaus' statement at the end? Elena is being a little naive though, thinking she'd be able to bring him back. Oh, so many questions!! I am intrigued. This show can't help itself, it keeps getting more interesting by day.
On a mini side note: I ADORED the fact Joseph Morgan did the little 'Previously on The Vampire Diaries' statement at the start - yum yum yum (for those of you who follow me on Twitter or have read my previous blogs, you'll know how much j'aime Joseph Morgan/Klaus. Let's keep him around please).
Only critique of this episode? Not enough sweet Delena moments! But I am sure they are to come ;)
Once again, feel free to comment lovelies! Or you can follow me on Twitter: @janeymoo I love to rant about TVD on there all the time :D